Tinubu, total failure, lacks capacity -Amaechi

ABIODUN TAIWO, ABEOKUTA

Former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has intensified political attacks on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declaring that the current administration has failed to meet the expectations of Nigerians and warning that the country is drifting away from democratic ideals.

Amaechi made the remarks during a no-holds-barred interview on a current affairs programme aired on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ijebu-Ode, and monitored by Our Correspondent, where he spoke extensively on his political future, governance under the current administration, security, taxation policies, and electoral reforms.

Speaking on his exit from the All Progressives Congress, Amaechi insisted his decision was based on principle rather than personal grievances following the party’s 2023 presidential primaries.

“The truth is simple. I did not agree with the choice of presidential candidate. I did not believe he had the capacity to govern Nigeria. And I still do not believe so. What is happening today has only confirmed my position,” he said.

The former governor of Rivers State maintained that remaining in the party after the primaries would have contradicted his personal convictions and political philosophy.

“If I believe someone lacks capacity, how then do I remain in the same party supporting that leadership? That would make me dishonest,” Amaechi said during the interview.

Assessing the performance of the current administration, Amaechi delivered one of his strongest criticisms yet, stating that governance has deteriorated significantly.

“It is a total failure. A total failure. He lacks capacity,” he declared, adding that democratic institutions are increasingly being weakened.

Amaechi further alleged that security institutions are being deployed to suppress dissent and intimidate opposition voices across the country.

“Tinubu preached democracy, but what we are seeing today is closer to autocracy. Security agencies are being used to intimidate critics and opposition figures,” he said.

On the government’s tax reform policies, the former minister warned that the new measures could worsen economic hardship for ordinary Nigerians.

“They say people earning below ₦800,000 annually will not pay tax, but when you calculate the new minimum wage across 12 months, you see that many Nigerians will still fall into the tax bracket,” he argued.

Amaechi also expressed concern over provisions of the new tax framework, claiming that enforcement powers granted to authorities could negatively affect citizens and businesses.

“Nigerians must ask questions now. Some of these provisions give too much power to tax authorities and could create hardship if not properly managed,” he said.

Speaking on security matters, Amaechi referenced the recent security invitation involving former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, alleging a broader pattern of political surveillance.

He also made allegations against National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, claiming there were plans to manipulate future elections — allegations that have not been officially responded to by relevant authorities.

On electoral reforms, Amaechi criticised moves to limit real-time transmission of election results, insisting technology investment could address transparency concerns.

“The only reason they are fighting real-time transmission is fear of losing elections. If you want transparent elections, invest in technology and infrastructure,” he said.

Looking ahead to the 2027 presidential race, Amaechi confirmed his intention to seek the presidential ticket of the ADC, expressing confidence in his political experience.

“I believe I will get the ticket. I am the most experienced among the aspirants. Nigeria needs capacity, energy, and experience to move forward,” he said, urging citizens to remain vigilant and actively engage in governance and accountability.